If you've ever driven through the Santa Susana Pass, you know that weird feeling where the scenery doesn't change but the vibe suddenly does. One minute you're navigating the sprawling, neon-lit grid of the San Fernando Valley, and the next, you’re flanked by those iconic, massive sandstone boulders that look like they belong in an old Western. This is the gateway to Simi Valley. Because it sits right on the edge of the map, people constantly ask: simi valley ca is in what county exactly?
The short answer is Ventura County.
But honestly, the long answer is way more interesting. Simi Valley is basically the "front porch" of Ventura County. It’s the very first city you hit when you cross over from Los Angeles County on the 118 freeway. This proximity creates a bit of a geographic identity crisis for locals and visitors alike. You’re only about 30 or 40 miles from downtown LA, yet you’re technically in a completely different jurisdiction with its own rules, its own sheriff, and a much quieter pace of life.
Why the County Line Actually Matters
It’s not just a trivia question for a geography bee. Knowing that Simi Valley is in Ventura County changes a lot of things for the people who live there. For one, the taxes are different. Ventura County typically has lower business taxes and a different approach to land use than its neighbor, Los Angeles.
Then there’s the safety aspect. Simi Valley has spent decades ranking as one of the safest cities in America for its size. Locals will often tell you—with a bit of a smirk—that they think the "Ventura County line" acts like a psychic barrier for big-city crime. Whether or not that’s true, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Simi Valley Police Department have a reputation for being incredibly proactive.
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The Geography of a Valley Within a Valley
Simi Valley is nestled in a basin surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills. It’s about 42 square miles of land that feels tucked away from the rest of the world.
If you’re standing at the Rocky Peak exit, you are literally standing on the border. To the east? The Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. To the west? The wide-open suburban sprawl of Simi. This border is so thin that many people commute back and forth every single day without even realizing they’re switching counties.
A Quick Look at the Stats (The Real Ones)
- Total Population: Around 125,000 to 126,000 residents.
- Elevation: It sits higher than LA, ranging from about 700 to 1,000 feet.
- Neighbors: It’s bordered by Moorpark to the west and Thousand Oaks to the southwest.
- Commute: Most people spend about 28 to 30 minutes in their cars getting to work.
What Most People Get Wrong About Simi Valley
A huge misconception is that Simi Valley is just a bedroom community for Los Angeles. While a ton of people do commute over the "hill" into the San Fernando Valley, Simi has its own massive economy.
There’s a heavy presence of aerospace, machinery, and even a growing tech sector. And let’s not forget the film history. Because it’s in Ventura County but close to the "Thirty-Mile Zone" (TMZ) for Hollywood unions, it has been a prime filming location for a century.
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Ever see those weird rock formations in old episodes of Star Trek or The Lone Ranger? That’s Corriganville Park. It used to be a movie ranch owned by stuntman Ray "Crash" Corrigan. Today, it’s a public park where you can hike through the literal sets of Hollywood’s Golden Age. You’re walking through Ventura County history, but you’re seeing the backdrop of global pop culture.
The Reagan Legacy in Ventura County
You can't talk about Simi Valley without mentioning the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It’s perched on a hill overlooking the valley, and it is arguably the biggest reason people visit the city.
Inside, they have the actual Air Force One that Reagan used. It’s massive. They basically built the museum around the plane. It’s a bit surreal to see a Boeing 707 parked inside a building on top of a mountain in Ventura County. This site serves as a reminder that while Simi is a suburb, it holds a significant place in national history.
Living the Simi Life: What to Expect
If you’re thinking about visiting or even moving here because you’re tired of the LA hustle, you should know it’s a specific kind of lifestyle.
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- The Weather: It gets hot. Like, "don't touch your steering wheel" hot. Because the mountains block the coastal breeze, Simi can be 10 degrees warmer than nearby Ventura or Oxnard.
- The Outdoors: If you like mountain biking or hiking, you’re in heaven. The Hummingbird Trail and Rocky Peak offer views that make the 118 freeway look like a toy set.
- The Vibe: It’s suburban. Expect strip malls, great sushi spots, and very quiet nights. It’s the kind of place where people actually know their neighbors.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning to head up to Simi Valley, don't just stop at the Reagan Library. Check out Strathearn Historical Park. It’s this cool little pocket of the city where they’ve preserved old buildings from the 1800s, including an old CPT (California Pacific Town) house and a general store. It gives you a sense of what the valley looked like before the suburban boom of the 1960s.
Also, grab a sandwich at Green Acres. It’s a local institution. Their tri-tip is basically legendary in this part of the county.
Pro Tip: If you're driving in from Los Angeles, try to avoid the 118 West during Friday afternoon rush hour. That "Ventura County line" becomes a parking lot.
Ultimately, Simi Valley is a bridge between two worlds. It has the convenience of being near a global metropolis but the soul of a rugged, independent Ventura County town. Whether you’re there for the history, the hiking, or just to escape the LA traffic, it’s a place that definitely earns its spot on the map.
For your next visit, make sure to pack extra water if you're hitting the trails—those Santa Susana hills don't offer much shade, and the Ventura County sun is no joke. Check the local wind reports too; the "Simi Winds" (a local version of the Santa Anas) can turn a pleasant hike into a dust storm in about five minutes flat.